Should Alberta Change How Local Elections Work and How Councillors Are Held Accountable?
Official title: Local elections and councillor accountability engagement
Why This Matters
Vote in municipal elections? This affects how those elections are run. Frustrated with a local councillor? These rules determine how they can be held accountable. The changes apply to municipalities, school divisions, irrigation districts, and Métis Settlements across Alberta.
What Could Change
The Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act, 2024 has already been introduced based on this feedback. It updates rules for how local elections are conducted and how councillors must behave once elected. The changes affect all Alberta municipalities, school boards, irrigation districts, and Métis Settlements.
Key Issues
- How should local elections be conducted in Alberta?
- How should elected councillors be held accountable for their conduct?
- What updates are needed to the Municipal Government Act?
- What updates are needed to the Local Authorities Election Act?
What Happened
Albertans completed two online surveys between November 7 and December 6, 2023. Representatives of municipal associations also provided targeted input. The findings were captured in engagement summaries for both the Local Authorities Election Act and the Municipal Government Act. This feedback, combined with input from 2022, informed the Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act, 2024.